I am exploring various dog training options for my rescue dog, who is nearly two years old and has been with us for about a month and a half. He’s crate trained and potty trained but pulls heavily on the leash (he’s 85 lbs, so he nearly pulls my arm off). He’s friendly with other dogs but tends to bark and ignores commands when other dogs are around.
I’ve come across several training approaches:
Training at home independently using resources like YouTube or paid training videos.
Attending training classes together with your dog.
Sending your dog away for three weeks of professional training, then getting them back trained.
What are your experiences and opinions on each of these methods? Any recommendations for effective training?
I’ve heard mixed reviews about the intensive training camps lasting 2-3 weeks. The results seem short-lived because you need to learn alongside your dog. Personally, I prefer attending classes together with my dog and supplementing with online tips. Consistency and shorter, engaging sessions have been effective for us.
@Mickey
Thanks for your advice! I’m determined to learn and train alongside my dog, despite suggestions that it might be easier to send him off for training. I believe in building that bond and understanding together. And I’ll definitely keep the shorter session tip in mind!
I agree, sending your dog away for training might work for some, but I wouldn’t choose it. You don’t know how your dog is treated during training, and the learning process is more effective when you’re involved. Training with a professional allows you to work together and address specific goals, whether in group classes or one-on-one sessions.
Classes with a qualified trainer combined with consistent practice at home and quality online resources like Kikopup or Fenzi Dog Sports Academy videos have worked well for many. They provide structured learning and help maintain accountability.
I’ve known people who opted for option #3 with mixed results. Option #2, attending classes together, has been effective for my friends and fosters a strong bond.
Hazel said:
I’ve known people who opted for option #3 with mixed results. Option #2, attending classes together, has been effective for my friends and fosters a strong bond.
I prefer the idea of learning and training together rather than sending him off alone. Did your friends find they needed additional training afterwards?
Option #3 often involves aversive methods and dogs struggle to generalize the training to new environments. For first-time dog owners, option #2 is recommended. Teaching basics at home and attending classes for distractions and troubleshooting with a trainer has been a successful approach for many.
The choice depends on your training goals and how well you understand dog behavior and reinforcement timing. Option #1 is good if you’re attentive, otherwise, option #2 provides hands-on guidance. For specific issues like fearfulness, targeted online courses with practical applications can be very effective.
Sending dogs away for training might be useful for specialized tasks like service dogs, where professional training is followed by owner education. For other types of dogs, learning together with a professional trainer seems more effective in achieving lasting results.